NASA suspended its 2nd attempt to launch test rocket

vIndianz.com (28 Oct, 2009) — Repetitive attempts to launch rocket on Tuesday were yet again let down by weather conditions. NASA will attempt a second time to launch its trial Ares I-X test rocket Wednesday, following a cloudy weather and small setbacks obstructed its original attempt.

nasa_logo The $445 million rocket is the original of its variety — a model of the vehicle NASA plans to carry people to orbit and the moon; however it is based on space shuttle and other previous hardware. The test launch was slated to lift off at 8 a.m. ET, even though launch managers believed weather almost certainly won’t oblige until about 10:30 a.m.

An anticipated 154 lightning strikes were reported within a five-mile (eight-kilometer) radius of the launch pad during the night. Launch controllers were retesting the Ares I-X rocket systems to confirm nothing was damaged. The additional work postponed Wednesday morning’s liftoff. The launch test is planned to learn how well this rocket design works by congregating information from over 700 onboard sensors.

Recurring attempts to launch the rocket Tuesday were let down by clouds, strong winds, and the danger of an occurrence called “triboelectrification,” which can be produced when a rocket passes through clouds and triggers static electricity that may perhaps hinder with the vehicle’s instruments. Other actions, similar to a stuck sock-like apparatus cover, which crews had difficulty pulling off the rocket, additionally inundated takeoff plans.

Although NASA had a four-hour window beginning at 8 a.m. ET to attempt to loft the rocket, circumstances by no means lined up and mission managers gave up for the day at around 11:30 a.m.

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NASA suspended its 2nd attempt to launch test rocket

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